the united states is not very popular in the middle east right now. i don't know if you doe know that. it's not popular at all. everything that's been talked about, everything that's been done has not moved us forward. if anything, it's moved us backward because there is just not a sense of well-being in the relationship. oil being part of it but other issues also enter into it. >> and what's your take on the upcoming election, the presidential election. how does that skew things? >> you know, i don't want to get out of my depth here. i'm not a politician. i am a businessperson. but i would say this. and i'll stick to energy. there is no energy plan in the obama administration. i've been saying that for years. they talk words, rhetoric. rhetoric is not a plan. a plan has accountabilities, actions, milestones and real numbers. the romney announcement is also not a plan. it's a good strategic intent. it's inclined towards americans taking care of america. i certainly support that notion, but i'm still waiting to see a plan. and depending upon who is in